The Kaduna State government, in collaboration with the Lafiya Programme and other stakeholders, on Monday began the final process of reviewing and validating the state’s youth policy aimed at strengthening youth development.

The commissioner for youth development, Gloria Ibrahim, said the review became necessary following the expiration of the previous youth policy last year.

Ms Ibrahim said the initiative was part of the Uba Sani-led government’s efforts to improve the quality of life and overall well-being of youth in the state.

“You know the youth are very dear to this present administration under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani.

“All we are doing in the Ministry of Youth Development is to find ways to improve the lifestyle and quality of life of the youth of Kaduna State. That has been our mandate since the creation of the ministry,” she said.

According to her, the review process aims to develop a robust policy document that reflects the needs and aspirations of young people across the state.

The commissioner noted that the state government had also introduced various empowerment programmes for youth, including educational, material and mental health support.

Also speaking, the executive director of the Civic Impact for Sustainable Development Foundation, Yusuf Goje, said the policy review process had involved broad consultations with stakeholders.

According to him, participants at the validation meeting include representatives from government institutions, youth-led groups, academia, civil society organisations, the media, religious youth groups and youth leaders of political parties.

He noted that the previous youth policy experienced implementation challenges after the former Ministry of Youth and Sports was scrapped and the youth component was moved to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development.

Mr Goje said the establishment of a standalone Ministry of Youth Development by the current administration had restored the institutional capacity needed to effectively implement the policy.

Similarly, the president of the Association of Students with Disabilities, Aaron Samaila, said the policy review was a welcome development aimed at strengthening youth development in the state.

He noted that one of the major gaps identified is the absence of reliable data on youths with disabilities in the state, adding that the availability of such data would help the government to design more inclusive programmes and policies for young people with disabilities. 

(NAN)